Over the past eight months, medical facilities in the Palestinian territory have faced repeated attacks and sieges.
"Intense hostilities have severely crippled health care provision in Rafah where tens of thousands of vulnerable people still remain," stated WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on X.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that only the ICRC field hospital Rafah Al-Mawasi remains fully operational, while the UAE field hospital in Rafah city is the sole facility providing health services in the area. He noted that insecurity and the ongoing closure of the Rafah crossing continue to hinder the delivery of supplies and personnel, essential for maintaining functional health services in Gaza.
“We call for a cease-fire. We call for safety for all patients and health workers. We call for the protection of all civilians. We call for the opening of the Rafah crossing,” Ghebreyesus urged.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, the Israeli military campaign has led to over 36,000 Palestinian casualties. The extensive bombardment has devastated the enclave, home to 2.3 million people, leaving most civilians homeless and at risk of famine.
The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and, in its latest ruling, has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operations in Rafah. (ILKHA)